Little Petra
A serene Nabataean site with ancient carved dwellings and rare frescoes, offering a peaceful alternative to Petra.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Little Petra
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Nabataean site with ancient carved dwellings and rare frescoes, offering a peaceful alternative to Petra.
"Little Petra is a hidden gem, offering a magical and less crowded glimpse into Nabataean history."
Free Entry & Cash Needed
Entrance to Little Petra is free! Bring cash for local vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and some uneven terrain, especially if you opt for the Monastery hike. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Siq al-Barid
Main canyon
A narrow, winding canyon with ancient Nabataean structures carved directly into the sandstone walls.
The Painted House
Along the main path
Discover rare Nabataean frescoes, offering a glimpse into ancient art and daily life.
The Monastery Trailhead
End of the main path
The starting point for a challenging but rewarding hike to Petra's Monastery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Little Petra
Hiking to the Monastery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Cash Needed
Entrance to Little Petra is free! Bring cash for local vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and some uneven terrain, especially if you opt for the Monastery hike. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Beyond the Siq
Don't miss the Painted House for ancient frescoes and consider the hike to the Monastery. :hiking_boot:
Visit During Petra by Night
Experience the magical ambiance with special lighting for a surreal evening visit. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Cash Needed
Entrance to Little Petra is free! Bring cash for local vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. :moneybag:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and some uneven terrain, especially if you opt for the Monastery hike. :athletic_shoe:
Explore Beyond the Siq
Don't miss the Painted House for ancient frescoes and consider the hike to the Monastery. :hiking_boot:
Visit During Petra by Night
Experience the magical ambiance with special lighting for a surreal evening visit. :sparkles:
Less Crowded Than Petra
Enjoy a more tranquil experience compared to the main Petra site. Perfect for isolation pics! :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Little Petra as a peaceful, free alternative to the main Petra site, offering unique carved structures and rare ancient frescoes. Many appreciate the less crowded atmosphere, making it ideal for photography and quiet exploration. Some find the hike to the Monastery challenging but rewarding.
"Little Petra is one of the hidden gems when exploring the ancient city of Petra. It is located in the Bayda village around 9 KMs north of the Petra Visitor’s Center. It is considered one of three official entrances into the ancient rose city.
It is said that this place was the “industrial” part of the Nabatean civilization where white wine and currency were made.
The place consists of a small Siq and a small Treasury. The walking path is straight, and is 1 KM long. The place consists mainly of chambers on the ground floor and a lower floor, as well as stairs to go up. Most of the stairs on the right/left side are wiped, and it is recommended not to climb most of them.
You pass through many chambers, pass through a souvenir tent, then climb stairs up to another tent. This second tent; another souvenir store, is the end of this walking trail.
If you are into hiking, Little Petra has a hiking trail that leads to the Monastery. The trail starts by riding a 4x4 (for a fee) to go to the start of this trail. Then, you walk for around 4 KMs before you arrive at the Monastery. The trail involves stairs and muddy terrain, and walking close to cliff edges; thus caution is recommended (mainly if you are hiking with kids).
Once you arrive at the Monastery, you either return back to the drop-off point, or you continue to Qasr Albint in the Petra ancient city (another 3-3.5 KM). If you decide to return back to the drop-off point, ask about the timings of the 4x4 car so that it takes you back to Little Petra.
The hiking trail is quite clear either through stairs, or through a drawn path (using rocks). Thus, having a guide isn’t necessary.
The walking trail is served with small kiosks that sell drinks and snacks. Some folks sell souvenirs, and you may bump into folks who offer donkey rides for a fee. Make sure you have cash on you to pay as most don’t accept credit cards.
Entering Little Petra is free, but riding the 4x4 car to the start of the hiking trail comes with a fee. You can also buy tickets for the Petra ancient city here, and they accept cash or card payment."
Fahd Batayneh فهد بطاينة
"This is little Petra, also known as baby Petra to me😂. I like it here as it was near empty so not many getting in the way of us enjoying the space and take all the isolation pics as we wanted.
We took a 4x4 from here to the back entrance and hiked all the way to the front and saw everything in between. For our group of hikers we thought it was much easier than expected and we are not young."
Jesse Lee
"Amazing experience! To reach the Little Petra, you can take for free the small bus but for a return you have to walk 6Km. The bus finishes its route until 14 p.m so if you are not on time, you have to walk to go back 6Km. This is what i did and it really worth! If you have 3 consecutive days to visit Petra, you have plenty of time to visit small Petra. The route going back is nice and in my opinion it is advisable to use the small bus and for a return to walk back."
Anastasios Angelides
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is located about 9 km north of the main Petra Visitor's Center. You can take a taxi or a local bus. Some suggest it's a good starting point for a hike to the Monastery in Petra, accessible via a 4x4 ride to the trailhead.
Yes, there is usually free parking available near the entrance, making it convenient if you're driving.
Absolutely! Little Petra is about a 3-hour drive from Amman. Many visitors combine it with a visit to Petra itself. Renting a car is a popular option.
Yes, Little Petra is considered part of the Petra UNESCO World Heritage Site and can be accessed separately.
Wadi Musa is the town closest to Petra. Little Petra is a short drive away, and taxis are readily available. Some local buses might also connect the two.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) is free! This makes it a very accessible and budget-friendly attraction.
Little Petra generally follows the opening hours of the main Petra site, typically from early morning until sunset. Night visits are also sometimes available.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for the main Petra ancient city at Little Petra. They accept both cash and card payments.
While entering Little Petra is free, there is a fee for the 4x4 ride that takes you to the start of the hiking trail to the Monastery.
While guides aren't strictly necessary for the main Little Petra path, you can arrange for guides or join tours that include it as part of a larger Petra experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Little Petra features a small Siq, a 'Treasury' similar to Petra's, and numerous chambers carved into the sandstone. Look out for the rare ancient frescoes in the Painted House.
The main walking path is about 1 km long and can be explored in 1-2 hours. If you plan to hike to the Monastery, allocate significantly more time.
The hike is around 4 km and involves stairs and potentially muddy terrain, with some sections near cliff edges. It's considered moderately challenging and requires caution, especially with children.
Yes, there are small kiosks selling drinks and snacks along the walking trail. Restroom facilities may be basic.
Absolutely! Little Petra is a photographer's dream, especially with fewer crowds. The unique rock formations and ancient carvings offer fantastic photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are small kiosks and souvenir tents along the main path that sell drinks and snacks. For a wider selection, you'll find more options in Wadi Musa.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you can enjoy snacks purchased from the kiosks. Be sure to dispose of any trash responsibly.
Local Bedouin tea and simple snacks are common at the kiosks. For full meals, head to the restaurants in Wadi Musa, offering Jordanian cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow Siq al-Barid, the carved facades, and the Painted House are prime photo locations. The less crowded nature allows for unique shots.
Yes, Little Petra offers a magical nighttime experience with special lighting, making it spectacular for photography.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden glow on the sandstone.
No special permit is required for general photography at Little Petra. However, professional or commercial shoots might have different regulations.
Drone usage is generally restricted in archaeological sites in Jordan to protect the heritage and for safety reasons. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main path is easy, the hike to the Monastery is not recommended for young children due to the challenging terrain and cliffside paths. Stick to the main Siq al-Barid area for a safe and enjoyable family outing. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as options are limited to small kiosks.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a fee for the 4x4 to the Monastery hike, you can explore the main site on foot. Bring your own water and snacks to save money, and enjoy the incredible scenery and ancient architecture without spending a dime. It's a perfect addition to an affordable Jordanian adventure.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The Painted House is a must-visit for its ancient art, and the nighttime experience with candle lighting provides a surreal and atmospheric setting for unique content. The golden hour light in the late afternoon also bathes the sandstone in a warm glow, perfect for dramatic shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Little Petra
+1One of the most remarkable features of Little Petra is the Painted House, which contains rare surviving Nabataean frescoes. These vibrant paintings offer invaluable insights into the artistic styles and daily life of the Nabataeans, depicting floral motifs, mythological figures, and scenes of everyday activities. The site's strategic location along ancient trade routes made it a crucial stop for caravans, providing lodging and supplies for travelers heading to or from Petra.
Today, Little Petra offers a more intimate and less crowded experience than its famous counterpart. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the broader Nabataean civilization and its economic and social structures. The site is also a starting point for a challenging but scenic hike that connects to the Monastery in Petra, offering an alternative and adventurous way to experience the region's wonders.
Hiking Adventures: Little Petra to the Monastery
The trail itself spans approximately 4 kilometers and involves navigating a series of stairs, rocky paths, and sometimes muddy terrain. Hikers should be prepared for varying conditions and exercise caution, especially near cliff edges. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the ancient Nabataean infrastructure. It's advisable to wear sturdy hiking boots and carry plenty of water.
Upon reaching the Monastery, hikers have the option to either return the way they came or continue their journey for another 3-3.5 kilometers to Qasr al-Bint within the main Petra archaeological site. If returning to the Little Petra trailhead, it's crucial to confirm the operating hours of the 4x4 service for your return trip. This hike is generally considered manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness, and a guide is not typically necessary as the path is relatively clear.
Little Petra by Night: A Surreal Experience
The gentle glow of the candles casts dramatic shadows on the carved facades and canyon walls, highlighting the intricate details of the architecture. Unlike the bustling daytime visits, the nighttime experience is typically more tranquil, allowing for quiet contemplation and a deeper appreciation of the historical significance. It's a chance to see the sandstone structures in a new light, quite literally.
This special event is usually held on specific nights and is a must-do for those looking for an unforgettable experience in Jordan. It's a testament to how ancient sites can be brought to life through thoughtful presentation, offering a memorable contrast to the daytime exploration.
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